Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
~ Romans 13:8-14
Eternity is a long time. A lot longer than 70, 80, or even 100 years in this life. What we do now, what we learn now, and how we treat others now, will all matter in the next life.
God is faithful, God is fair, and God is just. God forces no one to do anything. The choice is always ours (and ours alone) to make. Love God and love your neighbour as yourself. That is our Lord’s command.
Note: Today’s paintings are: Pelegri Clave i Roque’s “The Good Samaritan”, 1838; Piero di Cosimo’s “St. Mary Magdalene”; and Titian’s “Christ Carrying the Cross”, 1565.